Time-honored holiday traditions: There's something for everyone

It's beginning to look a lot like the holidays. Well, if truth be told, many South Bay retailers began trotting out ye old red and green somewhere north of Labor Day.

This time of year, the familiar sensations set in: jaws clench, teeth grind and blood pressure escalates in direct proportion to the amount of time required to secure a parking space at the mall, hunt down the season's object of desire and stand in line to relinquish the plastic.

Some traditions never change.

Luckily, the same can be said for other time-honored Yuletide rituals. From the glorious electrical overload that is the Fantasy of Lights in Vasona, to the sheer elegance of the Nutcracker (this year balletophiles can choose from at least four presentations of the Christmas classic), to a 5K run that will help de-guilt your annual caloric binge, there's an event to suit and satisfy virtually every taste.

Our advice for the best way to navigate through the holiday madness: Wherever and whenever possible in the next few weeks, add a plushy (or sparkly) Santa hat to your ensemble. You'll be sure to generate an appreciable number of smiles. Bonus: Your ears will stay toasty, too.

Family Friendly

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 Fantasy of Lights--We dare you not to be immersed in the holiday spirit after making your way through this winter wonderland, now in its 14th season. Tuck the kiddies in the backseat with their blankies, mix up a thermos of hot chocolate and head out to Vasona Lake County Park. You may have to wait in line with the other autos, but it's well worth your patience: Inside the park you'll be treated to a 1.5-mile route lined by huge, animated light displays, all synched to music you can tune via your car radio. From Santa shooting hoops and a pen of frolicking penguins, to a tunnel of twinkling lights and a 90-foot sparkling tree, this West Valley favorite never disappoints. Runs through Dec. 31, 6-10 p.m. Enter at 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos. Admission price ranges from $15 per vehicle to $50 for commercial vehicles and school buses. Call 408.355.2201 or visit sccgov.org/sites/parks for more details.

 Reindeer Express--If driving isn't your thing, join Rudolph and the whole reindeer team for a fun and festive, luxury bus tour of Fantasy of Lights. In partnership with the county of Santa Clara, Royal Coach Tours will once again offer special conveyances to and through Vasona, complete with 3D glasses and gala gift-bags. Buses depart from various locales (including the Los Gatos Post Office and Santana Row). A "Cocoa with Santa" tour will pick up revelers at the LG Youth Recreation Center following a 45-minute party, where participants can do crafts, sing carols and hang out with Mrs. Claus, and meet the Big Guy himself. For complete schedule, visit sccgov.org/sites/parks/Pages/Connect-with-the-Reindeer-Express.aspx.

 Carriage rides return to town--The sounds of horses' hooves hitting the pavement return to Los Gatos through Dec. 23 with the traditional holiday carriage rides departing from Town Plaza Park. Rides last approximately 15 minutes and include a horse-drawn tour of the historic Almond Grove neighborhood. Prices and ride schedules vary. Advance reservations can be made online at lgchamber.com or call 408.354.9300.

 Santastic--Popular holiday songs and stories undergo a magical makeover, emerging as Motown, big band and rock 'n' roll hits in this original, 45-minute one-act musical. After each performance, the cast leads a full hour of post-show activities, including cookie decorating, an "interactive imagination station" for making holiday cards, photos with Saint Nick and more. Runs Saturdays at the Retro Dome, 1694 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, Dec. 1-22, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $15-$36. Call 408.404.7711 or visit theretrodome.com for full details.

Drama and Dance

 Dickens' A Christmas Carol--Rick Lombardo's vaunted version of the classic holiday story is a rich feast for the senses. Attendees will be treated to the sight of actors in lavish period costumes playing more than a dozen traditional instruments, as well as the sounds of traditional Victorian carols. This adaptation includes original music written by Lombardo, artistic director at San Jose Rep, and arranged Anna Lackaff. Runs through Dec. 23, San Jose Repertory Theater, 101 Paseo de San Antonio. Tickets are $17.50-$79. Call 408.367.7255 or visit sjrep.com for more information.

 Christmas Shorts--For those hankering to walk on the wild side, City Lights Theater Company can readily fill the bill with this new production. Spend a rollicking evening watching "five dirty little comedies that expose the glorious and the gratuitous of the holiday season." From the annual family dinner to a visit to the sperm bank, nothing escapes the mercies of the City Lights playwrights and cast. Runs through Dec. 23, 529. S. Second St., San Jose. Tickets are $24.95-$34.95. Call 408.295.4200 or visit cltc.org for additional details.

 Ballet San Jose Nutcracker--This treasured yuletide classic gets a new look with world premiere choreography from Ballet San Jose's own prima ballerina, Karen Gabay, and sets and costumes from American Ballet Theatre. Symphony Silicon Valley, under the baton of Ballet San Jose music director and conductor George Daugherty, performs the time-honored Tchaikovsky score. Patrons who arrive early will have the chance to enjoy carolers in the lobby, as well as a boutique offering holiday and ballet-themed items. Runs Dec. 8-23 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd. Tickets are $21-$105. Visit balletsj.org/nutcracker or call the box office at 408.288.2800 for more information.

 San Jose Youth Ballet Nutcracker--For the first time, San Jose will be treated to not one, but two weekends of SJYB's Nutcracker performances. The increase comes in response to near-sold-out demand, and requests from SJYB dancers themselves. In addition, the company will move its performances closer to downtown San Jose, to the School of Arts and Culture Theater at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Runs two weekends, Dec. 1-8, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose. Tickets are $18-$25. Call 800.838.3006 or visit sjyb.org for more information.

Music and More

 Golden Bough--Los Gatos United Methodist Church will echo with the sounds of Celtic superstars Golden Bough on Dec. 15. Much sought-after on both sides of the Atlantic, the group has released more than 30 recordings. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., with a reception immediately following. General admission tickets are $15; seniors and students pay $12, and the cost is $5 for children under 12. For more information call 408.370.3037.

 Alternative Christmas Faire--Your loved ones probably have plenty of platters, and really aren't craving more candles. At this Dec. 2 event, you're sure to find a gift everyone will appreciate. After the morning worship service at Los Gatos United Methodist Church, snack, chat and visit with others while browsing among more than 20 nonprofits that offere unique Christmas presents. Your globe-trotting friends may well appreciate a donation made to the Heifer Project or Friendship with Cambodia, while a new homeowner might enjoy your support in his/her name of Habitat for Humanity. For those who believe that charity begins at home, you can help fund a number of local groups as well. 111 Church St., Los Gatos.

 Santa Paws--You and your two-legged friends shouldn't have all of the holiday fun: On Dec. 9, you'll want to bring your favorite (and best-behaved) canine or feline to Santana Row's Park Valencia. There you'll find "Santa Paws," who will pose with your pet for a keepsake pic. Photos cost $20, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Humane Society Silicon Valley. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.; puppies and kitties should be ready for their close-ups from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3055 Olin Ave., San Jose. Visit santanarow.com/events/calendar or call 408.551.4611.